It reduces scheduling conflicts. The ability to spread courses that are offered just once across the master schedule decreases the likelihood of scheduling conflicts. Every year, students are forced to choose courses that fit into their schedule. With greater flexibility, students will have an increased likelihood of being able to schedule their desired classes.

It allows BCHS to offer additional elective courses. With our previous seven-period schedule, we found that student credit requirements typically consumed six periods (Bible, English, Math, Science, History/Social Sciences, World Language) with the remaining period being a Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, or an elective. This restricted the number of electives BCHS could offer. By providing one more period, your student has a greater opportunity to take an elective(s) that he/she desires as well as allows BCHS to offer additional elective courses.

It provides room for Study Hall. Only 25% of students previously took a study hall period, even though nearly 85% are involved in a significantly time consuming extracurricular activity (Athletics, Drama, FFA, Academic Decathlon, etc.). With this increased demand on a student’s time, the opportunity to take a study hall is invaluable. An additional period during the school day dedicated for study becomes crucial for a busy student.

It allows BCHS to potentially increase the number of sections in required courses. The number of sections we offer is dependent upon how many periods in which we can schedule a course. With an additional period, we can add more sections where needed, which in turn will reduce class sizes. The size of a class has a direct impact on the learning environment and keeping our class sizes smaller is academically desirable.

Within the school day, minutes have been trimmed in areas that should have no impact on our overall academic program. The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. The school day ends by 3:30 p.m. each day.

Athletic practices adjust accordingly. Athletic game dismissals previously presented an attendance challenge for our athletes. It is no different with the new schedule. We are mindful where we schedule certain classes, when possible, to reduce potential athletic conflicts.

Parents and their student(s) will determine the workload. BCHS elective teachers have been able to keep students’ workloads to a minimum. It is our continued commitment that elective courses remain highly enjoyable with minimal academic demand. We realize there will be students who choose to increase their academic workload, but this will be a product of their own decision. With an additional period to take a study hall course, this move to an eight-period school day can help ease a student’s workload.

Graduation requirements will be adjusted accordingly. Seniors are required to take six academic courses in their final year at BCHS.